Hydrogel Spacing for Radiotherapy of Prostate Cancer: A Review of the Literature

摘要: Abstract Introduction The rectum is particularly sensitive to radiation and it represents the dose limiting structure during therapy for prostate cancer. Transperineally inserted rectal hydrogel spacers were proposed as a technique limit toxicity therapy. Methods Different spacing materials, including hyaluronic acid, polyethylene glycol human collagen, have been tested as potential agents reduce exposure toxicity. Results Early results from studies in which 1 48 patients received demonstrate that appear be feasible tolerable, are not associated with significant side effects. published literature shows a median or mean space achieved between typically ranges 1.0 2.0 cm, reductions dose, low rate of acute gastrointestinal short-term quality life benefits when comparing men who receive those do not. Conclusions Rectal could potentially allow greater escalation hypofractionation while reducing protecting against increased This theoretically lead better tumor control, decreased health care costs, improved patient provider satisfaction. Although based on small cohort summarized this review encouraging, longer followup larger, randomized trials needed determine impact control late